If you are a nature lover and wish to combine thrill with serenity then trekking in Chennai can turn out to be the best recreational activity for you. Not only does this activity bring you close to the treasures of Chennai, but it also lets you explore its lofty hills and splendid waterfalls in a totally different way.
While places like the Ubbalamadugu Falls and Gingee Fort let you explore the hidden gems of the forested areas, the Parvathamalai Mountain and Yelagiri further let you pass through an abundance of flora, orchards and green valleys.
Various places for trekking near Chennai including the Talakona Waterfalls and Tada Falls will take you through the national parks and you might also encounter animals like dark buck or spotted deer on your way up. From marvellous views to the thrill induced, this adventure activity will ensure that you get to have fun and live the moment to its fullest. Gush your adrenaline rush and choose among the best trekking places in Chennai that fit perfectly well in your requirements list.
People Also Ask About Trekking in Chennai
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Which are the best treks in and near Chennai?
1. Trek to Ubbalamadugu Falls: Ubbalamadugu falls is located on the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh is highly popular for trekking near Chennai. To reach this waterfall you need to pass through a trek of 10 km which runs through the woods and has many brooks too.
The center of attraction here is the bridge and the water which flows beneath it. The best time to visit here is during the post-monsoon season that is October to January when the brooks are filled with water and there is rich flora.
2. Trek to Gingee Fort: The fort is an ideal weekend getaway and the best place for trekking near Chennai. The fort was built by the Chola dynasty and is known for its marvelous view as it is built over 7 hills including Krishnagiri, Chandragiri, and Rajagiri hills. If you are a history buff or have a love for forts, this can be one of the best trekking places in Chennai for you.
Distance: The fort is 157km away from Chennai
3. Trekking at Parvathamalai Mountain: If you’re a firm believer of Lord Shiva then this trek is definitely for you. The rocks here are difficult to climb but the struggle is worth it. Mallikarjuna Swamy temple located on the hill is said to have an ashram too for its pilgrims.
This trek is most famous among the night owls as it’s one of the best camping and trekking places near Chennai. The hill is said to be covered with mooligai plants which have medicinal properties too
Distance: The fort is 157km away from Chennai
4. Trekking at Yelagiri: It is the most calm and beautiful hill station of Tamil Nadu and is known for its abundant flora, rose gardens, green valleys, orchards, etc. The place has become quite popular with youngsters and couples for trekking as it is surrounded by a number of hills and each hill is unique from the other. The most loved hills here are Palamathi hills, the Swamimalai hills, and the Javadi hills. The hills here aren’t only known for their scenic vistas or trekking but for a wide array of adventurous activities too.
Distance: This place is 266km. away from Chennai
5. Trekking at Yercaud: This is the most loved spot for trekking near Chennai. The steep slopes of the Servarayan Hills lead you to foamy Killiyur falls. To arrive at this lovely cascade you need to take a two-kilometer-long trek from Yercaud. The best part of trekking in this place is that it has treks of different difficulty levels, so anyone who loves trekking can go there.
Yercaud is known for its scenic beauty among the thickets and the best part here is it allows you to camp in the lap of mother nature. The city has multiple options for the adventure buffs too which include zip-lining, boating, trampolining, ATV-ride, Burma bridge, etc.
Distance- It is 360 km from Chennai.
6. Trekking at Talakona Waterfalls- Talakona Waterfalls is perhaps the most noteworthy fall in the country and the most loved trek here. The white water here gushes at a height of 270 ft, which gives a radiant and tranquil view of nature as you reach the top after the hike. It is the most loved place for trekking near Chennai.
The water starts from the Seshachalam Hills and is believed to have restorative properties as it goes through different spices and therapeutic plants. The cascades are situated in Sri Venkateswara National Park, where one can spot wildlife like tiger, civet, jackal, dark buck, jaguar, spotted deer, ibex, sloth bear, and hood monkey.
Distance- It is 58 km from Tirupati that lies on the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
7. Trek to Kolli Hills: This wonderful area is also alluded to as the Kolli Malai, and it implies the 'Mountains of Death.' The slopes are nearly 1000 to 1300 meters in stature that cover more than 280 sq. Km, making it a perfect place for trekking among adventure-seekers. You will get almost 70 clasp twists, which take the sightseers to the highest point of the slope. Besides, the slopes are really the piece of spasmodic Eastern Ghats.
The early Hindu writing discusses the real presence of the KolliPavai phantom on the highest point of these slopes so go wander and witness the best trekking in Chennai. The center of attraction here is the Agaya Gangai Waterfalls.
Distance: It is around 370 km from Chennai
8. Trekking at Doddabetta: Doddabetta is the most favorite trekking place in Chennai among tourists and locals. Doddabetta located in Ooty is often referred to as the Blue Mountains or the Nilgiri hills as the place is covered in the blue haze of the rare Kurinji blue flowers that bloom once in 12 years.
The peak is said to offer the best views of Mysore Pains, Bandipur Forest, Chamundi Hills, and towns of Coimbatore and Ooty. The center of attraction here is the Telescope house which gives a birds-eye view of nature.
Distance: It is around 540 km from Chennai
9. Trek at Meesapulimala- The trek to Meesapulimala is covered with emerald green valleys, blossoms of Rhododendrons, aromatic tea estates, springs, etc. The route is said to be filled with grasslands, rainforests, and wildlife. Meesapulimala is said to share the border with the state of Tamil Nadu and Kerala at an altitude of 8,661 feet.
The center of attraction here is the Rhodo valley and Pandava caves.
Distance: It is around 540 km from Chennai
10. Trekking on Meghamalai Peak: Situated in the midst of cool and high mountains in the Theni region of Tamil Nadu at an elevation of 1500 meters above ocean level is beyond words. Meghamalai, otherwise called Paccha Kumachi or the Green Peak, is encircled by Meghamalai Wildlife Sanctuary and Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which makes it an ideal spot for trekking and bird watching. The area is said to be covered with coffee, tea, and cardamom estates.
Distance: It is located at a distance of 540 km from Chennai -
Which are the best Trekking places in Chennai under 100 km?
1. Mamallapuram Lighthouse Trek: If you’re a nature lover then this definitely has to be on your bucket list. The trek towards the lighthouse is quite adventurous and effort-worthy. You get a panoramic view of the seashore and the life in the city.
Distance: The trek is located at a distance of 57 km from Chennai
2. Nagalapuram Trek: The 18 km long trek is located in the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. The trek starts at Arai and lets you explore the rich wildlife and the three waterfalls among the thickets. The center of attraction here is the pool formed by the cascades where you can take a plunge. The trek is ideal for camping too.
Distance: The trek is located at a distance of 73 km from Chennai.
3. Tada Falls Trek: Also known as the Ubbalamadugu Falls is the best place trekking in Chennai for a perfect weekend getaway along with family and friends. The fall lies on the border of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. The trek is surrounded by emerald-green mountains and small streams.
Distance: It is located at ad distance of 95 km from Chennai -
When is the best time to go trekking in Chennai?
The best time for trekking in Chennai is during the month of November to February as the weather is calm and pleasant.
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How much does trekking in Chennai cost?
Trekking in Chennai costs INR 1850 and can extend up to INR 4190 depending upon the package you choose. The most economical trek here is the Nagalapuram trek and the most vibrant trek is the Meesapulimala trek.
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Santhome Church is a standing testament to the belief of the Christian followers and is among the three wonders of this world that house the tombs of Christ’s original disciple. The other two are Santiago de Compostela in Spain and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. It was constructed in the memory of Saint Thomas who was an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Santhome Church is the greatest symbol of multi-culture and religious harmony as people from all religions visit this Church to seek solace and eternal peace.This church was built initially as a mausoleum, but it has now transversed into a Basilica owing to it’s gaining popularity and importance. Beneath the towering white embodiment of this basilica lies the body of Saint Thomas who came to India in 52 AD to preach about Christianity. He was successful in converting a large population of the locals residing in Tamil Nadu and Kerala with his wisdom and powerful preaching. He thereafter formed a community that is now known as Syrian Christians. This church also houses a museum that displays souvenirs of Saint Thomas and gives visitors an insight into the glorious past of this church during the historical times.
Known popularly as a beautiful and alluring spot for picnickers in Vandalur, Arignar Anna Zoological Park happens to be one of the best places for exploring fauna and flora of this region. Calling on to adults and children for weekend getaways, Arignar Zoo gets a heavy influx of visitors each year. Located at an approximate distance of around 32 km from Chennai and spread across an average area of about 1260 acres, it is known as South East Asia’s largest zoo. Sheltering more than 138 species of creatures, Arignar Anna Zoological Park is a paradise for every nature and animal lover. This park houses umpteen varieties of animals, including mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, fishes, and butterflies. In addition, the place also has a small Jurassic Park that adds to overall excitement offered by the destination. Other special aspects of this park include a children’s park, a learning centre, and Elephant joy rides. Arignar Anna Zoological Park is frequently visited by photo fanatics, wildlife lovers, nature lovers, peace seekers, and experience seekers. The park provides its visitors the opportunities to go on safaris and watch the various animals closely. The park also houses a small library where children as well as adults can get to read and learn more regarding the habitat and living styles of the different animals living in this place. In addition to all these exciting experiences, visitors can also indulge in nature and wildlife photography during their visit to Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
Located on the East Coast Road in the Sholinganallur locality of South-Chennai, ISKCON Temple is the spiritual and cultural hub of the city. This temple in Chennai is not only the biggest Radha Krishna temple in Tamilnadu but one of the biggest ISKCON temples in India. With the history of the ISKCON temple in Chennai dating back to the late 1970s, the construction of the temple began in the late 1990s and was completed in 2012 in many phases. The temple houses the deity of Lord Krishna, alongside Radharani and their friends Lalita, Lord Chaitanya, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra inside three teak-wood alters which are one of a kind. These deities are sourced from Rajasthan and Orissa. Under the guidance of Sri Bhanu Swami, the beautiful architecture is inspired by the Kalinga and Pallava kingdoms’ architecture. At the entrance of the temple, one would see the wonderful design of various Hindu universes on the marble flooring. The various universes are circled a central pillar called Mount Meru. The design is implicated from the ancient Vedic Puranas where Mount Meru is described as the centre of all the universes. The temple is a blend of various cultures with modern scientific technology. To attract more and more people in the ISKCON movement, the authorities of the temples organize lectures and audio-visual programs about the Hindu philosophy. Spread over an area of 1.5 acres, the ISKCON temple or the Hare Rama Hare Krishna temple is built on five floors.
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